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Digital Technology · Web & Cloud

Web developer or digital designer: degree or portfolio

Education ranges from a high school diploma to a bachelor's degree. Some employers prefer a degree in computer science or programming; developers who can show their abilities through work or projects may not need a specific credential.

For: People who like both code and design and can focus for long periods, because a small error can stop a page from working.

See the roadmap Web Developer & Digital Designer guide

Route 1: Bachelor's in computer science or programming Some employers prefer it

For web developer jobs.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's degree in computer science or programming

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Skills

    HTML, plus languages such as JavaScript or SQL

    Developers need a thorough understanding of HTML; many employers also want other languages.

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  4. Goal

    Web developer

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 2: Diploma + skills + a portfolio of projects No degree

Web developers and digital designers may not need specific education credentials if they can show their abilities through prior work experience or projects.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. Skills

    Learn HTML and other web languages

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Proof

    Work experience or projects

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  4. Goal

    Web developer

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 3: Digital (UX/UI) designer: degree in web design, digital design or graphic arts Digital designer

Digital designers develop, create and test website or interface layout, functions and navigation for usability. BLS counts them with web developers; Advance CTE also places them in Arts, Entertainment, & Design.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in web design, digital design or graphic arts

    Employers of digital designers may prefer it.

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Or

    Show your abilities through prior work or projects

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  4. Goal

    Digital designer (web and digital interface designer)

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — Summary (Quick Facts)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

Route 4: Digital designer: design degree Design side

Employers of digital designers may prefer a bachelor's in web design, digital design or graphic arts.

  1. Start here

    High school diploma

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  2. About 4 years

    Bachelor's in web design, digital design or graphic arts

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

  3. Goal

    Web and digital interface designer

    With a bachelor's degree, developers and designers may advance to project managers.

    BLS
    Web Developers and Digital Designers — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)
    Checked
    20 Oct 2026
    View source

More careers in Digital Technology

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Back to the full Web Developer & Digital Designer guide

What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.

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Every step links to the official page it came from (regulators, licensing boards, the law), checked 20 Oct 2026. State and city licensing rules change: confirm with the board where you will work before you pay any fee. Education Margdarshan does not recommend paid courses. All careers →